“You’re going to be a queen—an actual queen. I need to sit down.”
“I’m in shock. Like, how is this my life?”
“I’m so happy for you and Louis!” Another scream. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“I can’t either.” My voice cracks. “This is everything I’ve ever wanted.”
Her voice softens. “After everything you’ve gone through, after everything you were willing to risk … you deserve love like this.”
“I finally believe that.”
“A royal wedding? Oh my gosh. It’s going to be incredible,” she singsongs.
“Keke?”
“Yes?”
“I love you. Thank you for being my best friend.”
“Aw. I love you too, Addy. I’m so proud of you and excited.” I can hear her smiling.
The door opens, and Louis enters.
“Hi!”
He smirks, moving toward me. “Hi.”
“Hi, Louis! Congrats!” Kendall says.
“Thank you,” he says.
“I’m going to let you go celebrate. Call me tomorrow.”
“I will.”
“Future queen of Montclaire,” she says. “Still can’t believe it.”
“Neither can I.”
We end the call, and Louis pulls me to my feet and into his arms.
“Is my fiancée ready for dinner?” he asks.
“Do we have thirty minutes?”
“Why?”
I slide my hands up his chest and hook them behind his neck. “I need you.”
“Damn.” His brow lifts. “I think that can be arranged.”
41
LOUIS
ONE MONTH LATER
The car hugs the curves of the road as we climb the hills outside the palace grounds. Addison sits beside me, hand out the window, enjoying the fresh ocean air.
